The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a significant update on life expectancy in the UK, outlining bold measures to combat regional disparities and ensure equitable health outcomes for all citizens. This announcement responds to a parliamentary inquiry from Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, who raised concerns about the steps being taken to reduce inequalities in life expectancy across different areas.
Addressing Socio-Economic Health Determinants
In her detailed response, Ashley Dalton, Labour MP for West Lancashire and Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, emphasised the government's commitment to tackling the social determinants of health. She stated, "The Government is taking bold action to build a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer." This initiative aims to increase the time people spend in good health and prevent premature deaths, regardless of background or location.
Ms Dalton highlighted that everyday life poses greater health risks to the most disadvantaged in society, with the current care model often failing those with complex needs. To rectify this, the government plans to redistribute National Health Service funding more equally at a local level, ensuring it aligns better with actual health requirements.
Major NHS Funding Redistribution Plan
A key component of this strategy involves freeing up resources to direct funds more swiftly to areas with higher health needs. Starting from the financial year 2026/27, the government will remove deficit support funding, which is valued at £2.2 billion for 2025/26. This move is designed to allow a more agile allocation of resources, targeting regions where health disparities are most pronounced.
The urgency of this overhaul is underscored by recent statistics revealing stark regional differences. Between 2021 and 2023, the North East of England recorded the lowest life expectancy at birth among English regions, closely followed by the North West. In contrast, the four southernmost regions of England exhibited life expectancies above the national average, as reported by The King's Fund.
Outdated GP Funding Formula Under Review
Currently, the distribution of GP funding within the NHS is governed by the Carr-Hill formula, which calculates allocations based on expected workloads at GP practices across England. However, this formula has come under scrutiny for relying on data that is approximately 25 years old, rendering it outdated and ineffective in addressing contemporary health needs.
Ms Dalton acknowledged these shortcomings, noting, "We know that the Carr-Hill formula is considered outdated, and evidence suggests that general practitioners serving in deprived parts of England receive on average 9.8% less funding per needs adjusted patient than those in less deprived communities." This disparity persists despite higher health needs and significantly greater patient-to-GP ratios in these areas.
Factors Contributing to Life Expectancy Trends
Several interconnected factors drive these regional life expectancy trends, including socio-economic inequalities, geographic variations, and the challenges faced by socially marginalised groups such as homeless individuals. The government's response aims to address these root causes through targeted policy interventions and funding adjustments.
In light of these issues, the Department of Health and Social Care is actively reviewing the Carr-Hill formula to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. This review forms part of a broader effort to create a more responsive and equitable healthcare system that prioritises the health of all citizens, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.
The parliamentary question and answer session underscores the ongoing political focus on health inequalities and the necessity of modernising NHS funding mechanisms to reflect current demographic and health data accurately.
